MOT brake testing - rear brakes & axle

[mckcol]

Hi

I have a R170 - 320SLK, 2000 vintage

I seem to remember an issue when it comes to MOT re. the rear brakes (may be the parking brake?) - that the engine must be switched off, otherwise damage may result to the rear axle..

I can't remember where I read this - and car is in for MOT next week.

Presumably this is due to the EPC function

Any suggestions where I could have got this in my head?!

 

[television]

You have no worries going through the MOT, everything is electronic. The parking brake is independent to everything else, and the normal brakes can be tested on the rolling road with nothing to worry about

 

[mckcol]

I found what I originally mentioned in my post - from P179 of my manual, under ESP driving systems, Risk of accident:

"If the car is towed with the front axle raised, or if the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer, the engine must not be running. Application of the brakes by the ESP may destroy the braking system on the rear axle."

 

[wemorgan]

AFAIK Malcolm's advice still stands.

I presume your car passed its MoT with no damage to the car?

 

[turbopete]

shouldnt be a problem. a brake roller test runs at 5mph max! no way you can damage anything, not even a limited slip diff at those speeds! a dynomometer usually runs at much higher speeds and is used to measure power output from engines. the ESP is designed to cut engine power below 30mph rather than apply the brakes. that only happens above 30mph IIRC

 

[brandwooddixon]

a dynomometer usually runs at much higher speeds and is used to measure power output from engines.

So does that mean that these vehicles can't be performance tested on a rolling road?

 

[turbopete]

So does that mean that these vehicles can't be performance tested on a rolling road?

a performance testing rolling road nowadays (with so many 4wheel drive cars around) id imagine should run both axles at the same speed if required to eliminate any effect. either that or there must be a way MB dont want you knowing about to switch the system off/override it etc! theres ways around these things!